Osborn’s the hat-trick star

THERE were goals aplenty as budding footballers from across Camden and Islington kicked off their cup campaigns in style.

On Saturday the Islington and Camden District team were in seventh heaven after coming from a goal down to beat Hounslow 7-3 in their opener in the Compton Cup.

Sharpshooter Billy Osborn led the goal-glut with a superb hat-trick, the pick of which saw him chase back to win the ball in midfield and then beat two defenders before calmly slotting the ball past the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Highbury Grove schoolboy Sidney Shirley chipped in with two goals, while debutant Mergim Krasniqi and Djiji Rodrigues also both found of the back of the net.

Having seen his young side concede two penalties, coach Marc Stocking said he was confident that his charges will only get better.

District crew hit back after going behind, inspired by Billy Osborn’s superb hat-trick

“I thought that the boys did really well,” he said. “It was only our first game of the season and it took us a little while to get going. But once we did, the football we played was excellent. If we can cut out the silly mistakes at the back, I think we will have a great season.”

Meanwhile players from Haverstock School were also celebrating after starting their term with that winning feeling.

The team from Chalk Farm travelled to Bromley to tackle Bishop Challoner in the first round of the English Schools FA Premier League Under-16s Small Schools Cup.

It didn’t take the boys from NW3 long to hit their stride as their quick passing and intelligent movement off the ball resulted in man-of-the-match Malakai Hyman picking out striker Joshua Coulibaly for the opening goal. Malakai was also the provider for Haverstock’s second as his volleyed-pass found Troy Perez-Duah, who gobbled up his chance to get on the scoresheet. Cleson Mendes wrapped up a 3-1 victory late on when he scored from close range, setting up a home fixture against Burnham Park Academy from Buckingham-shire in the second round.